Better Than Bouillon Soup Recipe

When it comes to making a rich, flavorful soup from scratch, nothing quite beats the convenience and depth of flavor provided by Better Than Bouillon. If you’ve never used it before, this concentrated paste has become a kitchen staple for cooks who want to add instant, authentic depth to their broths, sauces, gravies, and of course, soups. It’s like having a chef’s secret weapon right in your pantry.

What’s great about Better Than Bouillon is that it’s super versatile-whether you’re making a hearty beef stew, a creamy chicken noodle soup, or just a light vegetable broth, this product can be customized to suit your tastes. In this post, we’ll dive into an easy, foolproof soup recipe using Better Than Bouillon as a base, and along the way, we’ll explore ingredient insights, tips, and even variations to help you get the most out of your cooking.

Ready to make a savory bowl of soup that’ll leave you craving more? Let’s get started!

Better Than Bouillon Soup Recipe

This recipe is a straightforward, flavorful soup that incorporates the power of Better Than Bouillon to create a savory, rich broth. It’s designed to be flexible, so feel free to add your own twist based on what’s in your kitchen.

Ingredients Needed

• 4 cups of water – the base of the soup, which will absorb all those delicious flavors.
• 2 teaspoons Better Than Bouillon (Chicken or Beef) – the key to giving the soup its deep, savory flavor. Adjust this to taste.
• 1 medium onion, chopped – adds sweetness and depth to the broth.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – infuses the soup with aromatic warmth.
• 1 cup carrots, sliced – a burst of color and natural sweetness.
• 1 cup celery, sliced – brings a lovely crunch and freshness.
• 1 medium potato, cubed – adds heartiness and helps thicken the broth slightly.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme – a classic herb that complements the vegetables.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary – another herb that balances the flavor profile.
• Salt and pepper, to taste – for seasoning.

• Optional Add-ins

  • 1 cup of cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1/2 cup of frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup of pasta or rice (adjust cooking time if adding these).

Cooking Instructions

1. Start with the broth: In a large pot, add 4 cups of water and dissolve 2 teaspoons of Better Than Bouillon (choose chicken or beef flavor based on your preference). Stir until it’s completely dissolved.
2. Sauté your veggies: Heat a splash of oil (olive oil works well) in another pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes, until it softens and becomes translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the vegetables: Toss in the sliced carrots, celery, and cubed potatoes. Stir everything around for another 2 minutes to let the flavors mix.
4. Pour in the broth: Now, pour your Better Than Bouillon broth into the pot with the vegetables. Add the dried thyme and rosemary, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a boil over high heat.
5. Simmer: Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and cooked through.
6. Optional add-ins: If you’re using frozen peas, cooked chicken, or pasta, add them in the last 5-7 minutes of cooking. If you’re adding uncooked pasta, make sure to adjust the cooking time to the pasta’s instructions.
7. Final taste check: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or even a dash of extra Better Than Bouillon to enhance the flavor.
8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor, and enjoy!

Ingredient Insights

• Better Than Bouillon: The magic behind the soup’s flavor. It’s a concentrated paste made from meat, vegetables, and spices, which makes it a great shortcut to getting that rich, homemade taste. It’s available in different varieties like chicken, beef, vegetable, and even organic. It’s a game-changer when you’re in a rush but still want a satisfying, savory meal.
• Carrots and Celery: These vegetables are known as the “holy trinity” of soups and stews because they build the base flavor profile. They add natural sweetness and texture, and they soak up the broth’s rich taste.
• Potatoes: Besides adding heartiness, potatoes help thicken the soup. The starch in the potato breaks down during cooking and slightly thickens the broth, creating a nice, silky texture.
• Herbs (Thyme & Rosemary): These herbs are aromatic and robust, adding an earthy flavor to balance the richness of the broth. Thyme is often used in savory dishes for its subtle, slightly floral flavor, while rosemary gives a more pungent, pine-like aroma.

Expert Tips

• Broth-to-Water Ratio: Adjust the amount of Better Than Bouillon depending on how strong you want your broth to be. If you prefer a more delicate flavor, you can use a little less than recommended; if you like a richer, bolder taste, feel free to add a little extra.
• Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh thyme or rosemary on hand, feel free to use those instead of dried. Fresh herbs bring a more vibrant, fragrant flavor to your soup.
• Add a Splash of Acid: A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar right before serving can brighten the soup’s flavor, cutting through the richness and adding balance.
• Texture: If you prefer a smoother soup, consider blending it with an immersion blender or regular blender after cooking. You can also mash the potatoes a bit for a creamier texture.
• Freezer-Friendly: This soup can be made in large batches and frozen for later. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It keeps for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Recipe Variations

While this recipe is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to make it your own:

• Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable Better Than Bouillon instead of chicken or beef, and leave out the meat. You can even add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra texture and nutrients.
• Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup for a little heat. The spicy kick can complement the savory broth perfectly.
• Creamy Soup: For a creamier version, add a splash of heavy cream, milk, or a dollop of sour cream toward the end of cooking. This will create a velvety texture and balance the soup’s natural flavors.
• Chicken and Rice: Add some cooked rice or noodles, and shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier, complete meal. The rice will soak up the broth and make the soup extra filling.

Final Words

Better Than Bouillon is one of those ingredients that transforms a simple meal into something extraordinary. This soup recipe is a perfect example of how a concentrated paste can bring out the best in your ingredients, making each spoonful a comforting burst of flavor. With minimal effort and just a handful of ingredients, you can have a homemade soup that feels like a labor of love but is incredibly easy to make.

Whether you stick with the basic recipe or get creative with variations, the possibilities are endless. The rich depth of flavor that Better Than Bouillon imparts is unmatched, and it can elevate any dish in your kitchen.